Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25122
1> BLOWFISH HYDRATION SYSTEM Because we can all use a drink. New from the hydration nap sack folks, the Blowfish features a 100- ounce bladder and enough cargo space (some of whi is expandablel to make a Sherpa envious. Camelbak, 800-767-8725, www.camelbak.com $80 2> Z4 SUSPENSION FORK The leaders in the front suspension biz, Italian manu- facturer Marzocchi builds strong forks that are super plush to ride and nearly maintenance free. If you're looking to upgrade a rigid bike or replace a fork that no longer works, the Z4 is an inexpensive way to get 70mm of trail cushion. And if you're shopping for a new bike, considering one spec'd with a Marzocchi fork is a strong factor to weigh. Marzocchi, 800-227-5579, www.marzocchLcom $225 3> SUSPENSION POST Makes any hardtail infinitely more comfortable-well, at least SO mm more comfortable. They're also a cheap alternative to investing mad cash on a new full-suspen- sion rig. Sizing can be an issue, though, so make sure it fits before you buy. RockShox, 800-677-7177, www.rockshox.com $119 Made of primo grade Merino wool, it's the single best cycling fabric on the planet-and it's all natural. Functioning well in temps ranging from sub-freezing to high 80s, it's the one iersey you'd take to a desert island-especially if it was covered with singletrack. Swobo, 800-SWOB04U, www.swobo.com $80 6> BOMBER GLOVE Gloves can enhance your ride. They absorb trail vibration, allow you to grab hold of the trail with confidence when you bail and keep your hands clean when you're learning the art of returning a chain to its rightful place on the gears. Check out the Bomber Glove. with it's mois- ture transfer capabilities and super grip possibilities. Pearl Izumi, 800-328-8488, www.pearlizumi.com $35 7> BERZERKER DH SADDLE These are mountain biking's La-Z-Boys. The easiest, cheapest way to make the pedaling experience more comfortable. They're not the light- est, but Titec's plush line of saddles are like middle managemenl: seri- ous ass-kissers. Titec, 888-848-3299, www.titec.com $75-95 8> ENDURO RAPTOR & TIOGA 2.1 DH TIRES Two of the best mountain bike tires on earth. The Enduroraptor is a semi-aggressive off-road tread that behaves well from paved to soft dirt surfaces. It's a perfect "do everything" tire, especially for urban dwellers in the East and Northwest. Handling gets a bit sketchy, though, in the gravely, volcanic terrain of the Southwest. For that. and for more aggres- sive riding. the heavier, meatier Tioga DH tread provides stunning amounts of traction and braking power. Two sets of tires for pretty much any condition-except deep mud. WTB, 415-389-5040, www.wtb.com. Enduro Raptor: $23. Tioga. 888-GO-TIOGA, www.tiogausa.com $30 9> STEELHEAD Surgeon General's Warning: putting bikes an cars can be hazardous to their health. Still , due to superior locking mechanisms, it's the safest way to leave rack-mounted bikes unattended (at least the fork is safel, and they look better on the roof than bungeed precariously to a trunk. Yakima Steel head is the best, strongest, mast reliable. 'Nough said. Yakima, 888-925-4621, www.yakima.com $100 (mount only) 60